Hasek’s Option Picked Up

The Detroit Red Wings said Monday they have exercised their $8-million option on goaltender Dominik Hasek.

He retired in 2002 after leading Detroit to the Stanley Cup, but the 38-year-old recently expressed interest publicly in returning to competition.

The Red Wings had until Monday to exercise the option on Hasek. If they had not, he would have become an unrestricted free agent.

Hasek’s agent, Rich Winter, declined to comment Monday evening. Calls seeking comment left for Red Wing General Manager Ken Holland were not immediately returned.

If Hasek returns, the Red Wings will have to talk goalie Curtis Joseph into waiving the no-trade clause in his contract.

Detroit signed Joseph to a three-year, $24-million contract last summer.

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The New York Rangers traded the rights to free agent Brian Leetch to the Edmonton Oilers after being unable to sign the defenseman before the Monday deadline. But it could be temporary. Leetch can still re-sign with New York today.

The Oilers sent goaltender Jussi Markkanen and a fourth-round draft pick to New York.

The Oilers are unlikely to sign Leetch but will receive a compensatory draft pick in 2004 -- probably a second-rounder -- when he goes to another team.

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King defenseman Jaroslav Modry underwent surgery to remove bone spurs from his left shoulder. His rehabilitation is expected to last 12 weeks.

Also Monday, the Kings announced their preseason schedule for the 2003-04 season. The Kings will play eight games, including two at Staples Center -- Sept. 18 against the Ducks and Sept. 20 against the Phoenix Coyotes. Full schedule, D6.

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Defenseman Eric Desjardins and forward Claude Lapointe signed two-year contracts with the Philadelphia Flyers. Financial terms were not disclosed.... The Phoenix Coyotes agreed to a one-year deal with team captain Teppo Numminen.